What Kind of Maintenance Do Water Heaters Need?

Date: March 6, 2023

Three simple ways to help your hot water system last longer

Very few things are as crucial to the comfort of your home as hot water. Think about it — from your morning shower to the moment you turn on the dishwasher after dinner, you count on a steady stream of hot water all day long. Not only that, but according to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating water “accounts for about 20% of your home’s energy use.” A poorly maintained hot water system could be significantly inflating your fuel expenses.

When our Boston-area customers ask us about water heater maintenance, we have three suggestions to keep their equipment running at peak performance for a longer lifespan.

1. Flush your water heater tank regularly.

If you have a traditional storage-tank water heater, internal corrosion is the main threat to its lifespan. And one of the simplest ways to slow the corrosion of your tank is by flushing the unit of sediment once a year.

You should check your owner’s manual for the exact procedures for flushing your tank, but here’s a general rundown of how it’s done:

1. Shut off your water heater (or set its burner to “Pilot”). Failing to do this can cause severe damage to your unit.
2. Close the cold water supply valve.
3. Attach a garden hose to the water heater’s drain valve and run it outside or to a floor drain, utility sink or bathtub.
4. Open one hot water faucet in your house and leave it open. (This prevents a vacuum from forming inside your water heater tank.)
5. Open the drain valve and let the water heater empty. Be careful — the water that’s draining will be hot.
6. Open the cold water supply valve to allow water to flush the tank.
7. Close the drain valve and remove the hose. Allow the tank to refill with water.
8. Turn your burner back on.

Doing this each year will help your water heater last longer.

2. Schedule an annual water heater tune-up.

Many homeowners don’t think about regular service for their water heaters in the same way they think about it for their boilers or furnaces. But arranging a professional tune-up annually is an excellent opportunity to ensure its burner and other vital components are working well. Our technician can clean anything that needs it and ensure it’s set to a temperature that balances comfort and fuel savings.

3. Keep your eyes and ears open.

Perhaps the most important thing you can do to maintain your water heater, especially if it’s over a decade old, is to pay attention to warning signs that it’s struggling. These include the following:

• Strange noises coming from the tank, including rumbling and clanging.
• Rusty or brown water coming from your hot water tap.
• Water around the base of your tank.

If your water heater fails, you’ll be without hot water until we can secure replacement equipment for you. If you notice any of these warning signs, get in touch with Cubby Oil & Energy right away. We’ll determine if you need a water heater repair or if it’s time to arrange new equipment.

Please don’t wait to contact our team. Schedule service for your water heater today.